Praedicator

Verba

Sunday, April 14, 2013 - 3rd Sunday of Easter - C

[Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14]

"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"

Sometimes the "final curtain" is not the final curtain. The dramatist or storyteller feels that there is more to say, or else the audience wants to supply additional meaning. Whatever the source of that "additional material," it can be seen as so important to the story or drama that it becomes part of it. The twenty-first chapter of the Gospel of John is often called, "the Johannine Appendix." There are two vivid scenes, which are set in the post-resurrection time. Scholars argue about whether or not these two scenes are related. The same person may have written them down, but their sources are not necessarily originally the same. We'll leave that to the scholars.

Two broad "themes" appear. The first is missionary in nature, as represented by the miraculous catch of fish! This story may have been "borrowed" from the Gospel of Luke [5:1-11]. John may wish us all to see what we can do with our faith! The second "theme" is pastoral - caring for the flock. [cf John 10]. In regard to the latter, Peter has to account for his three-fold denial of Christ, but he is the subject of love, just as all of us are, and this love must be demonstrated in his care for the flock. The recent new style of Pope Francis I has been a very good example! However, anyone in a role of pastoral care knows well what Jesus means when he says that such a person may be led in ways that are unexpected and unwanted!

The Lectionary today offers the option of reading only the first scene, but I recommend to the Beloved Congregation that you read the whole story and realize that whoever decided to add the "appendix" has done us all a great favor! AMEN